Just like Hoboken, Jersey City is no stranger to a good sandwich, and by good we mean great. The different neighborhoods of JC are filled with truly unique spots, each with something special. We searched the city and asked some locals for their favorite recommendations of where to go and what to eat. Read on to learn more about what we found. Just try not to drool…
Andrea’s Salumeria | 247 Central Avenue
Located in the Jersey City Heights, this sub shop is well-loved. While many say to get the Italian hero, because well —DUH — Hoboken Girl reader Joe Horowitz recommends the tuna salad sandwich. Of course, it is a classic but many others swear by this order, because the tuna and the bread are incredibly fresh and very tasty. If tuna is not your thing, try the Combo, loaded with all of the bells and whistles.
Cangiano’s Marketplace |225 Pavonia Avenue
Photo credit: @cangianos_jersey_city
This Hamilton Park hot spot is a local favorite, for obvious reasons. With everything from sandwiches to salads to prepared foods and meats, Cangiano’s is well known and loved by all. While the crew makes a mean Italian hero, we would be remiss not to highlight the chicken parm, which is almost too good to be true: breaded chicken cutlets drenched in sauce and topped in the cheesiest of all cheese.
Delenio | 357 7th Street
Photo credit: @delenio.italian.eatery
For fresh Italian food, Delenio is at the top of the list. The menu is filled with a variety of dishes, but has a strong handle on the art of sandwich making. The sausage rabe sandwich, which features a delectable sausage and broccoli rabe combination, is a serious treat. The juxtaposition of flavors and textures that the three ingredients boast are absolutely stellar. Be sure to order fresh and hot, and thank us later.
Dixon Deli | 358 Varick Street
It’s all about the brand of meat that a deli uses, and the reason why Hoboken Girl reader Alexa Trechock loves Dixon Deli so much is because they use Boars Head, calling it an “absolute must.” The sub to get is the Salsalito Turkey and Pepper Jack Cheese Sub. This is topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and chipotle mayo. Alexa also brags about the size of the sandwich compared to the price – all of that for just $6 works for us, too.
Read More: Where to Get Cheesy Calzones in Hoboken + Jersey City
Downtowner | 9 Erie Street
Photo credit: @darkepines_downtowner
The spawn of Jersey City butcher shop, Darke Pines, Downtowner is a sandwich shop that has everyone abuzz. As all Darke Pine regulars know, the quest for the best means all of the ingredients are locally sourced and responsibly raised. Nana’s chicken salad, served upon a croissant, is a go-to order. Also loved is the Muffaletta, with salami, mortadella, porchetta, olive salad, sharp provolone on top of a sesame ciabatta. Don’t believe it? Try it for yourself.
Griot Cafe | 398 Central Avenue
This Afro Caribbean fusion cafe is a hidden gem. The most popular sandwich on the menu is the Griot Sandwich, featuring shredded seasoned chicken atop of a crisp plantain chip, covered in smashed avocado, and topped in a spicy traditional slaw. Trust us on this one, it is one you do not want to miss. The unique flavors at Griot Cafe are sure to wake up those taste buds.
Mordi’s Sandwich Shop | 320 Communipaw Avenue
Photo credit: @mordisfoodtruck
The Bergen-Lafayette area of Jersey City is alive with delicious restaurants. Mordi’s is a favorite amongst locals. Ellen Pizzonia Gregorio, a Hoboken Girl reader, loves the Americano chicken schnitzel but would also recommend the Italiano with eggplant because it is “light and flavorful.” Mordi’s also has breakfast sandwiches that are worth waking up early for.
SubCulture | 260 Newark Avenue
Photo credit: @subculturejc
If throwbacks are your thing then SubCulture is the spot! With the coolest 80s and 90s vibe, this joint is a must-visit. With each of the menu items keeping up with that throwback feel, guests can enjoy the good old days. The Freebird is a top choice, for obvious reasons, and includes breaded chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, mac + cheese, and brown gravy. The choices are endless here.
Subia’s |506 Jersey Avenue
Photo credit: @subiasvegancafe
Great sandwiches are hard to find, especially when looking for vegan or vegetarian options. Subia’s is the place to be if this is what you’ve been searching for. Hoboken Girl founder Jennifer Tripucka loves the Jackfruit Tuna Salad Sandwich here, as well as the veggie wrap. Other options include the Tuna V Melt and the Philly Cheeze, and the Reuben, all of which are vegan.
See More: Where to Find the Best Cheese Fries in Hoboken + Jersey City
The Little Sandwich Shop | 333 Grove Street
Photo credit: @thelittle_sandwichshop
The menu at The Little Sandwich Shop is anything but little, featuring huge portions with huge flavors. Anything with Gyro is recommended from this local spot. Try the Gyro Panini, which includes grilled gyro, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and tzatziki on panini, or the chicken gyro which features the same ingredients with grilled chicken instead.
Vegan AF | 291 Central Avenue
Another awesome vegan spot, Vegan AF is a tribute to the planet and the voiceless, hinting that they speak for the animals, too. Our readers, including Tere Fox, absolutely love the pulled pork sloppy joe, which comes with caramelized seitan in a BBQ sauce on top of a sesame hamburger bun with lettuce or spinach, tomatoes, onions, and topped with pico de gallo and avocado.
Venti Food Truck |Jersey City Area
Photo credit: @ventifoodtruck
This incredible food truck, which features the flavors of Italian-American cuisine, is a must-try. The Ciancimino brothers Joe and Nick are committed to serving the highest quality Italian food, to preserve the traditions of their Italian grandparents. Most people, including Hoboken Girl reader, Liya Crawford, swear by the chicken parm sandwich with vodka sauce. We aren’t denying its goodness, either. The Top Dog is another favorite, with a chicken cutlet, prosciutto, and tomato.
